Health Benefits of Cardamom

Cardamom combines health benefits and spicy flavors to Indian dishes.

Growing wild in Sri Lanka and south of India is the cardamom. It is also cultivated in some other tropical areas. Silver Grell, a health author, every cardamom seedpod is usually handpicked. Cardamom belongs to the same family as clove and ginger. Cardamom contains warming properties and it adds spicy warmth to the Indian dishes.

Benefits to digestion

Cardamom is known to stimulate the appetite in the same way in which it spices dishes that are bland. It is known to stimulate the digestive system. It is also able to counteract excessive stomach acid. This is according to the author, Silver Grell. The carminative properties of cardamom help in relieving flatulence and indigestion. Cardamom essential oils studies done on animals have demonstrated the ability of stimulating the production of bile and reduction of gastric juices.

Inhibit Pathogen Growth

Herbal Medicines PDR reports that cardamom is able to inhibit the development and growth of viruses, fungi and bacteria. It may help those individuals who are having little resistance to infections and diseases. Its capacity to fight disease and its stomachic properties help in reducing bad breath.

Benefits in Respiration

Author Silver Grell says that cardamom helps to improve lung circulation. It soothes mucus membranes.

A therapeutic guide to herbal medicine called German Commission E Monographs, verified the safety and efficacy of cardamom for the treatment of colds, bronchitis and coughs. It contains expectorant properties and can lead to a reduction in the production of mucus.

Anti-inflammatory

Tea containing Cardamom may help in reducing sore throats. Herbal Medicines PDR has said that Commission E has approved usage of cardamom for the treatment of pharynx and mouth inflammation. Traditional medicines have been using cardamom oil in the treatment of inflamed nerves, back muscles and joints that are swollen. Cardamom has analgesic properties, as Indian medicine and traditional ayurvedic reports that it eases joint and muscle pain.

Masseuses use cardamom essential oil for massages to relax the muscles and for stimulating the mind.

Antioxidant

The Association of Physician Journal in India published in August 1998 reported a cardamom analysis of flavonoids and phenolics. It rated the antioxidant cardamom properties at 50-100mg medium levels per serving.

Detoxification

Cardamom is used in Indian medicine for treating bladder disorders, urinary tract disorders and the kidney. It also treats other complications such as nephritis and cystitis.

Antispasmodic

A study done on animals which published on the July-August Pharmacological Research edition in 1996 verified the antispasmodic cardamom properties. The properties could validate cardamom use in remedies of folk in stopping convulsions and hiccups, relieving stomach and intestinal cramping, relieving morning sickness and reducing vomiting and nausea.

Anti-depressant

Use of cardamom in the treatment of depression has not been validated. Some herbalists however claim that tea made from cardamom helps in relieving depression.

source: naturalremediesbase.com